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Paolo Maldini in talks with Alessandro Costacurta over Italy job

By David Menon

Last Updated: 10/04/18 4:37pm

Paolo Maldini won 126 caps for Italy

Former AC Milan defender Paolo Maldini has declared an interest in coaching Italy.

Maldini, who won 126 caps for Italy, retired from international duty in 2002 before the Azzuri's World Cup triumph in 2006. He played for AC Milan throughout his career and retired in May 2009 aged 40.

Costacurta has been given the job of finding a replacement for Gian Piero Ventura, who was sacked after Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup in November.

Maldini, 49, admitted he has spoken to former Milan team-mate Costacurta about the vacancy.

Alessandro Costacurta is finding a successor to Gian Piero Ventura

"I'm always willing to listen," Maldini told Sky Sports Italia. "It's hard to say no, especially to a chat with a friend like Billy [Costacurta]. Let's see if there are the right conditions to do something together, otherwise 'forza Italia' always.

"The problem is that I don't know what the short-term goal will be. I don't think that a manager who should build for the future would be accepted in Italy. We have to qualify for the European Championships, Italy can't wait.

"While with the youth teams and projects we can plan something. I wouldn't say Italy are a second-rate national team at the moment, but we're a long way behind the best."